REQUEST FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Description (e.g., Contract Authorization for Information Services):
title
Authorization to Renew Memorandum of Understanding between Social Services and Mental Health to Conduct Mandated Substance Disorder Assessments
body
Date: 10/20/2025
Department: Social Services
Attending Meeting: Erin M. Stachewicz, Commissioner
Submitted By: Maggie W Skarlis
Title: Contract Administrator
Phone: 518-447-7583
Purpose of Request: Other (State if not Listed) Renewal of MOU
CONTRACT TERMS/CONDITIONS:
Party Names and Addresses:
Albany County Department of Mental Health
175 Green Street
Albany, NY 12203
Term: (Start/end date or duration) 01/01/2026 - 12/31/2026
Amount/Raise Schedule/Fee: $250,000
BUDGET INFORMATION:
Is there a Fiscal Impact: Yes ☒ No ☐
Anticipated in Budget: Yes ☒ No ☐
Spreadsheet attached: Yes ☐ No ☒
Source of Funding - (Percentages)
Federal: 22% County: 78%
State: Enter text. Local: Enter text.
County Budget Accounts:
Revenue Account and Line: AA6010 04615
Revenue Amount: $55,000.00
Appropriation Account and Line: AA6010 44046
Appropriation Amount: $250,000
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Mandated Program/Service: Yes ☒ No ☐
If Mandated, Cite Authority: Welfare Reform Act of 1997
Request for Bids / Proposals:
Competitive Bidding Exempt: Yes ☒ No ☐
# of Response(s): Enter text.
# of MWBE: Enter text.
# of Veteran Business: Enter text.
Bond Resolution No.: Enter text.
Apprenticeship Program Yes ☐ No ☒
Previous requests for Identical or Similar Action:
Resolution/Law Number and Date: 725 Adopted 11.12.24
DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST: (state briefly why legislative action is requested)
Approval is requested to renew a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Albany County Departments of Mental Health (DMH) and Social Services (DSS) for the DMH Central Management Unit (CMU) to continue providing mandated assessments and referral services for DSS applicants and recipients with possible substance use disorders. This agreement provides reimbursement for up to $250,000 for two (2) full-time Mental Health Certified Alcohol Substance Abuse Counselors (CASAC) to conduct the mandated assessments and referrals. The requested $250,000 includes salary, fringe, supervision and projected lab costs associated with these mandated services.
The Welfare Reform Act of 1997 mandates that local Social Services Districts screen all adult public assistance applicants and recipients for alcohol/substance use disorders, and, if indicated, obtain related assessments of treatment needs, including level of care and employability determinations. Under this MOU, the DMH CMU performs assessments of Safety Net and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Family) applicants and recipients for DSS.